President William Ruto has said the government will lease sugar factories in a bid to revive the ailing sector.
He said the government will ensure prudent management of the factories to safeguard the interests of farmers.
“We will not put public money in a hole where farmers are not paid after delivering their produce.” He added.
The President made the remarks during Sunday Service at Uriri Technical and Vocational College in Migori county yesterday.
He noted that resources from the private sector will be instrumental in upgrading the factories’ facilities to enhance efficiency.
“We will agree with them to install a new miller and pay farmers on time.” The president noted.
He observed that privatisation is not a viable option, as it would result in private firms assuming ownership of nucleus sugar farms.
The Head of State issued a stern warning to those involved in the mismanagement of sugar factories.
He later launched the institution’s digital skills laboratory.
He also visited the South Nyanza Sugar Company (Sony) and held talks with sugar farmers from the region.
Present were Cabinet Secretaries Eliud Owalo, Ezekiel Machogu, Susan Nakhumicha, Moses Kuria, Davis Chirchir, and Salim Mvurya and Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko.
Others were MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Dr Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East), Paul Obuor (Rongo), Mathias Robi (Kuria West), David Ochieng’ (Ugenya), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Phelix Odiwuor (Langata), and Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache).
John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), and Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes), Patrick Munene (Chuka), Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu), Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), and former governors Okoth Obado (Muranga), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and Evans Kidero (Nairobi) were also present.
President Ruto said he is keen on championing a new dispensation where the Government will serve all Kenyans fairly.
He said development will no longer be about one’s community or the party they voted for.
“Development is going to be on the basis of the resources we have raised together as Kenyans.” He added.
Governor Ayacko said it was in the best interest of the people that leaders work together to transform the country.
“Let us create a culture of working together irrespective of our political parties.” He said.
Nyamati said leaders from the Nyanza region will continue working with the Government despite criticism from other opposition leaders.
“We will work with you (president Ruto) for the sake of wananchi.” He noted.
